Reflections on 2018
2018 included many highlights for the Kiawah
Conservancy:
• • With your support, we concluded a
community land swap transaction that
tripled acreage under preservation and
protected the natural beauty of the Island’s
entrance in perpetuity. Since then, through
generous donations from landowners, we have
continued to add important conserved lands to
our portfolio.
• • Critical wildlife research related to the Island’s
iconic species (bobcats, alligators, birds)
continues with support from the Conservancy.
• • Our Naturally Kiawah habitat recognition
program which encourages homeowners
to landscape their properties in support of
Kiawah’s unique fauna has been embraced by
over 70 percent of property owners.
• • In the area of education, shorebird and bobcat
symposiums and Conservation Matters events
drew record attendance. These programs
focus on the uniqueness of Kiawah Island’s
native and migratory species and reinforce the
importance of maintaining the delicate balance
between nature and development that thrives
on our barrier island.
• • Naturally Kiawah, the Conservancy’s award-
winning publication, gets better and better
with each issue. Produced by volunteers, this
bi-annual magazine educates Kiawah owners
and visitors alike about what makes Kiawah
so special and what we must do to keep it
that way.
• • Our annual fund-raising galas at the Sanctuary
have experienced ever growing attendance by
long-time donors as well as hundreds of new
participants, reflecting the increasing relevance
of the Conservancy’s mission as the Island
approaches build-out.
As we move toward build-out, it is more
important than ever that we all work tirelessly
to protect the natural habitat that supports our
complex eco-system so future generations can
enjoy Kiawah as we have.
It has been an honor and privilege to serve
as chairman of the Kiawah Conservancy.
Further, it is comforting to know that with the
dedication of our volunteers, trustees, and staff,
the Conservancy’s mission of providing the vision,
leadership, and resources necessary to preserve and
enhance Kiawah Island’s unique balance of nature
and development — is alive and well!
Richard Ames, Chairman
Kiawah Conservancy Board of Trustees
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